Undiscovered Italy: Aosta. Archaeological area Saint-Martin-de-Corléans. The city of Aosta - the "stone flower" of Italy

Valle d'Aosta is an autonomous region of Italy and its smallest province. It is located in the northwestern part of the country and borders Switzerland in the north and France in the west. Due to the fact that the territory of the region is surrounded by the highest of the mountain peaks in Europe - Mont Blanc, and the Matterhorn, there are many excellent ones, international ski competitions often take place.

The province has two official languages, Italian and French. In some parts of it, the inhabitants use one of the German dialects - Mountain Alemannic. In total, a little more than 125 thousand people live in Valle d'Aosta, of which a third part is in the administrative center of the province, the city of Aosta.

In addition to tourism, the energy sector is well developed in the region - there are many rivers in the mountains - and ferrous metallurgy. The area is also famous for its wines.

Climate and weather

The Aosta Valley has a peculiar climate. The boundaries of the seasons seem to be shifted: summer comes earlier than usual, already in May; winter also usually comes in November. Spring and autumn fly by instantly, summer is usually long, dry and warm, but there is no particular heat here: average temperature July +21º C. The local summer is characterized by short but heavy rains with thunderstorms. In winter, a lot of snow falls, frosts are not uncommon, but even in the coldest month, January, the average temperature is still above zero, 1-2º C.

How to get there

There are many mountain passes on the territory of the region; despite this, the transport network is very well developed, the province has many automobile and railways. Between settlements buses ply, they run on numerous routes at intervals of half an hour, so getting from one town to another is not difficult. Nearest Big City– . You can get there in 2 hours.

It is at Turin Airport that those who are going to rest in Valle d'Aosta usually arrive. The distance between cities is 100 km. You can fly to Milan (), but it is twice as far, 190 km. If you have a Schengen visa, you can consider another option - Geneva, from which Aosta is 150 km away. Aosta itself also has an airport, you can fly here by local flights from Rome, but the planes that carry them are very small, so you need to plan such a trip in advance. It's easier to take the train or bus. The bus schedule can be found here: www.savda.it. The site is in Italian but easy to use. Train tickets: www.trenitalia.com

Aosta

The main city of the autonomous region is Aosta. It was founded before our era; several architectural monuments have been preserved since those times: a triumphal arch, fortress walls with gates, an amphitheater. The arch (Arco di Augusto) has been standing in the city since 25 BC. It has a somewhat strange appearance for such structures - there is no typical attic superstructure; instead, the arch is crowned with a roof built at the beginning of the 18th century.

Not far from the arch are the gates of Pretoria (Porta Praetoria), through which it was possible to enter the city from the east. The gates are double, each row consists of a central arch 7 m high - for carts, and two smaller side arches for the passage of people. The whole structure looks very impressive.

The fortress walls are also well preserved. They form a rectangle with sides 727 m long and 574 m long.

Another monument from the time of the ancient Romans is the villa (Villa Romana), or rather, its ruins, on which you can get an idea of ​​the size of the rich houses of that period, the location of the rooms and utility rooms.

The old Collegiate Church of Saints Peter and Ursus (Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Orso) is a building that is impossible to pass by. It was built at the turn of the X-XI centuries; architectural style- Romanesque. As a foundation, the builders used the remains of older buildings. The inner courtyard of the church, as well as the fortress walls surrounding the city, is made of dark gray stone blocks and gives the impression of a very ancient one, although it was built at the beginning of the 12th century.

Locks

In the vicinity of Aosta there are many medieval castles and fortresses - about seven dozen. Not all of them are in perfect condition, some of them are left with only ruins, but there are also well-preserved ones. One of them - Fenis Castle (Castello di Fenis), built at the beginning of the XIII century.

Isson Castle (Castello di Issogne) is located at a distance from Aosta, 40 km. There are suggestions that it was built long before the middle of the XII century, when it was first mentioned in official documents: perhaps the castle was rebuilt from an ancient Roman villa.

Finally, Verre Castle (Castello di Verrès) is another monumental building that has come down to us from the Middle Ages. His appearance purely utilitarian - a huge stone cube with rare small windows, and a complete lack of decor.

Ski resorts

The unique location of Valle d'Aosta attracts tourists and skiers from all over the world. Arriving here, they can ride the slopes in a few days at once three countries: Italy, France and Switzerland.

Cervinia

One of the oldest ski resorts in Italy - (Cervinia). The ski slopes of Cervinia run along the slopes of the Matterhorn; its height is 4478 m. Especially desperate skiers can climb the very high point and carry out a dizzying descent from three and a half thousand meters. There are no resorts located higher than Cervinia in Italy.

The peak of the season in Cervinia falls on December, in January there is a relative calm, and in February and March the slopes in the vicinity of the resort are again full of bright ski suits.

However, the higher the mountains, the longer the season - in the highlands, snow lies all year round. There is also very difficult routes, and less extreme tracks of great length, allowing you to enjoy not an adrenaline rush, but admiring surrounding nature. Nevertheless, most routes, such as the Bontadini slope, are designed for advanced skiers. For beginners, it is better to pay attention to the "blue" slopes of Plan Maison (Plan Maison).

The great advantage of the resort over others is in the carefully thought-out layout of the slopes and their diversity. So, for example, there are "blue" trails for beginners on almost all slopes. This means that even those who have just started skiing have the opportunity to look around, and not ski in the same place for two weeks.

There are buses from Turin and Milan to Cervinia, you can look for a hotel with a transfer. In terms of accommodation, there are options for every taste, from expensive hotels (Saint Hubertus Resort) to small economical chalets (L'Ancien Paquier Chambre D'Hotes). The main thing is to book rooms in advance.

Courmayeur

One of the most expensive Italian ski resorts is considered (Courmayeur). The peculiarity of the resort is that it is surrounded on all sides by almost a dozen mountain peaks over 4000 meters high. At the same time, the tracks here are mostly of medium difficulty, with the exception of some really extreme ones. The total length of the tracks is more than 100 km.

Everything is done here so that tourists can fully enjoy their stay at the resort: there are a lot of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues around, and many tracks allow you to ride around the clock.

The resort is very conveniently located - it is easily accessible from Aosta, there are buses from Milan and Turin (travel time is about 3.5-4 hours). Therefore, on weekends it can become especially crowded here - Italians like to come to Courmayeur for one or two days. For the same reason, when planning a vacation in Courmayeur, it is better to take care not only about the hotel, but also about where you will have dinner every day. Otherwise, you risk spending a lot of time trying to find a free table; and some restaurants cannot be entered at all without an appointment.

The "black" slopes are concentrated in the Val Veny area. For beginners, Chetif or Prato are more suitable. Well, the main area for skiing is Checrouit. There are also routes in Courmayeur that run outside the equipped tracks - they are primarily intended for freeride lovers, both skiing and boarding. Most of them are on Mount Cross d'Arp (Cresta D'Arp).

For accommodation, you can recommend the four-star Auberge De La Maison or the more modest Hotel Crampon.

La Thuile

Small La Thuile is located at the foot of Mont Blanc. Recall - this is the highest mountain in Europe (except for the Caucasian peaks); its height is 4810 m. La Thuile is good because there are not as many vacationers here as in other resorts of the province so you don't have to queue for the lift. There are no noisy amusements here, life at the resort is more like a village, measured and unhurried. There is always a lot of snow in La Thuile, and the tracks are designed for well-trained athletes.

La Thuile is part of the San Bernardo ski area. You can get here by bus from Courmayeur or from the city of Pré-Saint-Didier, and to Pre-Saint-Didier, in turn, by train from Turin or Milan.

• Recommended hotels: the fashionable Niro Montana and the economical Hotel Du Glacier.

Saw

Ski resort for beginners – Pila. From here you can see all three of the highest peaks of the Alps at the same time: the aforementioned Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, as well as Monte Rosa. This resort is not as famous as the rest, which makes it even more attractive in terms of silence and less expensive services provided. The slopes of Pyla should first of all be paid attention to by those who have just started mastering alpine skiing - there are many gentle wide slopes, for example, in the Grimod area, and you can ski from early December to April.

There are not many hotels in Pila itself, most of them are three-star hotels. But this resort is located not far from Aosta, so you can stay in the center of the province, and get to Pyla by lift - it will take no more than 20 minutes. If you still want to live near the mountain slopes, book a room at the Bellevue Pila aparthotel or.

Monte Rosa

Unlike Cervinia, the resort (Monte Rosa) began to accept skiers relatively recently. There are about 130 km of slopes, and most of them are suitable for intermediate or beginner skiers.

It will not be boring in Monte Rosa, the resort is developing quite actively, and already boasts a large number of bars and restaurants, but it is still worth remembering that life here is not in full swing, as in the older resorts of the valley, and is more suitable for those who prefer calm rest.

Here you can rent a room in a hotel located right at the foot of mountain slope, for example, in, or a little further away, overlooking the mountains (Residence Lo Peyo).

Things to do

The ski resorts of Valle d'Aosta have all the conditions for a comfortable stay. Even if you have never skied or snowboarded, experienced instructors will teach you the basics of skiing in a few days. Many of them have special training skills for people with disabilities; there are many children's schools in the province where your child will learn the basics skiing under the constant supervision of experienced teachers. If you come with a family in which not everyone is delighted with the prospect of skiing all day, do not hesitate - anyone will find something to their liking.

Spa towns come to life not only in the evenings, when the bars and restaurants fill with crowds of people. During the day, you can visit the pools or spa complexes, do yoga or fitness, play bowling. In Cervinia there is an ice karting track with two tracks. In the quiet Monte Rosa, dog sledding is organized; you can take riding lessons. In big sports complex, located near the resort of Courmayeur, you can play tennis, golf, ice-skate or go rock climbing. Many people go to the city of Pre-Saint-Didier in order to use the services of the thermal complex.

Those who prefer thrills, but for one reason or another cannot experience them with downhill from the surrounding peaks, can discover paragliding or skydiving hot-air balloon. Well, the neighborhood immediately with the three highest peaks of the Alps opens up almost unlimited opportunities for climbers.

Winemaking

Valle d'Aosta is one of major centers winemaking in Italy. The area is famous primarily for white wines, the material for which matures in the country's highest mountain vineyards - up to 1.2 km to sea level, although they account for only 10% of the wines produced.

Since 1971, the wine region of the province has been called DOC Valle d'Aosta. About 2.5 million bottles of wine are produced here annually.

The total area of ​​vineyards is small, but it is striking in the number of cultivated varieties: there are more than twenty of them. The most common varieties are petit rouge, which occupies 16% of the area of ​​all vineyards, and nebbiolo (almost 10%). The most popular white variety is prié blanc: more than 6% of all plantings.

• Amazing Fact: finding local wines in other provinces of Italy is quite difficult; number foreign tourists and Italians coming to the resorts of the region is so great that almost all the wine produced is drunk here, without leaving the province.

Italy is seriously fighting for Russian tourists - according to forecasts, in terms of the number of tourists in this country, popular mainly in summer, Italy seriously intends to compete with Switzerland and even France. Historically, the first Russian market the resorts of the Dolomites began to “unwind”, although the Aosta Valley was also not ignored. Today, the situation is such that the resorts of Val d'Aosta - both the famous Courmayeur, Cervinia, and the slightly less popular La Thuile, Pila, Gressoney, Champoluc, receive a significant number of Russian tourists. The reasons for such popularity of Italy in general and this valley in particular are simple: various accommodation options, from the most economical to very comfortable, cuisine familiar and interesting to Russians, great opportunities for skiing, not too expensive ski passes.

And if earlier Italy occupied the place of a “stepdaughter” among the Alpine countries, and they went there only after having rolled enough in Austria-France-Switzerland, today this country quite seriously claims an honorable place in the top three most visited. A special role was played, perhaps, by the fact that in 2005 the Italian Bormio hosted the Alpine Skiing World Championships, and the 2006 Winter Olympics were also held in Italy - in Turin. And two events of such significance can hardly take place in one country by accident.

Val d'Aosta is the highest region in northwestern Italy: Mont Blanc (4807 m) and Monte Rosa (4624 m) are located here. Resorts that are completely different in character and ski area, such as Cervinia, Courmayeur, La Thuile, Pila, Monte Rosa are located relatively close to each other - the distance between them can be covered in an hour or more. A single ski pass combines the slopes of all resorts, which is very convenient, and the ability to ski in other countries (France and Switzerland) makes this area even more attractive for all categories of tourists.

Most fashionable modern tendencies recreation - pay less and ride in large good regions - found their embodiment in Val d'Aosta. So, you can live in Pre-Saint Didier and ski in Courmayeur, or choose accommodation in Chatillon and St. Vincent, and explore the slopes of Cervinia and Monte Rosa. Fans of hectic city life will not be offended either: Aosta (by the way, a city with a population of 150 thousand) will offer both its own “home” ski area (Pila), and a full range of apres-ski entertainment combined with excellent shopping. There is even something to see here: the arch of times ancient rome, a complex of Renaissance buildings in the central square and the Cathedral of the 11th century ... Every year at the end of February, traditional carnivals are held in Aosta, Verres and Gresosney: jousting, processions in ancient costumes, tasting local cheeses and wines - all this can be seen at this time.

One of the most popular and famous ski areas (at the same time the highest italian resort) - Cervinia. This area borders on Switzerland and is united with the skiing region of Zermatt, with its most “photogenic” peak Matterhorn. Skiing in Cervinia is more suitable for intermediate skiers, professionals and experts will be more interested in the Swiss side of the Maaterhorn. Some disadvantage of Cervinia is the length of the ascent to the Swiss territory and the abundance of all kinds of stairs that skiers have to climb. For beginners and intermediate skiers, this resort is more suitable than for experts. The beauty of Cervinia is that the blue and red slopes (and there are more than 200 km of slopes in total) are located in different parts of the region, which allows you to diversify skiing as much as possible. Cervinia is also famous for its off-piste skiing - there is really a lot of virgin land here. A ski pass for adults costs 170 euros for Cervinia, 206 euros for Cervinia and Switzerland (hereinafter, the prices of season tickets for adults for 6 days are given).

The hotel base of Italy in general and Val d'Aosta in particular cannot boast of luxurious hotels of the level of elite French and Swiss resorts. Although the local “fours” as a whole correspond to their level, the rooms and the hotels themselves may seem quite modest to spoiled tourists.

From good hotels Cervinia can be noted Сhalet Valdotain and Punta Maguignaz, which are arguing for the right to be called hotels with the best cuisine, Europa and the recently refurbished Excelsior Planet (all hotels are 4*).

No less famous in the Aosta Valley and Courmayeur - a resort popular since the 18th century, now considered one of the most fashionable and aristocratic in Italy. Thanks to the neighborhood the highest peak Western Europe - Mont Blanc, stunning views and very interesting skiing Courmayeur rightfully considers one of the most attractive resorts in Italy. Unlike other places in the Aosta Valley, it has a reputation as an aristocratic resort - here there are more luxurious hotels, excellent cuisine, many fashionable shops and gastronomic restaurants.

The ski area in Courmayeur includes 100 km of pistes, and this resort is more likely to be recommended. experienced tourists: for beginners and just getting up on skis it will be difficult. After the snowfalls in Courmayeur, there are excellent conditions for freeriding, and most of all, red runs are located here. In general, despite the limited length of slopes by Alpine standards, skiing in Courmayeur is varied and interesting. A combined ski pass for the entire valley costs about 170 euros for 6 days and provides the opportunity to ski in Chamonix and La Thuile. As with any resort that claims to be fashionable, it is not too difficult to find decent accommodation here. When choosing accommodation options, pay the attention of tourists to exactly where the hotels are located: some of the good “four” Courmayeur are located at a significant distance from the ski lifts, and you need to get to them by ski bus.

Somewhat less known to our tourists is La Thuile - a cozy town located in close proximity to France and Mont Blanc. The ski area includes 140 km of slopes, among which the blue and red ones are the most. For experts, it will be interesting to ride on difficult black slopes from Le Suchet to Diretta and Tre. The neighboring French resort of La Rosier is connected to La Thuile by a single network of lifts and a shared ski pass (140/150 euros for 6 days). Some disadvantage of this area is the obsolete system of lifts: many of them are chairlifts and rather slow. The hotel base of the resort cannot boast of luxury, although Planibel (hotel and residence) can be safely called the best hotel complex La Thuile, quite appropriate for its category.

Another vast area of ​​the Aosta Valley - Monte Rosa - unites five villages at once with a single network: Antagnon, Chamolyuk, Bluesson, Gressoney-la-Trinite and Gressoney-Saint John. The skiing area (130 km of slopes) provides ample opportunities for both experienced skiers and beginners. For the less experienced, it is better to choose Champoluc and Graysoney-St. John: most of the gentle pistes are located here. Just above Gressoney-la-Trinite is more suitable for intermediate skiers, while Champoluc has a sufficient number of interesting and long red runs.

Extreme and thrill-seekers are better off choosing other resorts, although Gressoney-St. John has several interesting slopes. A six-day ski pass for Monte Rosa lifts costs about 160 euros for 6 days (including the entire ski area). Some of the best hotels in the area include the Relais des Glaciers (in Champoluc) and the recently renovated Residenza del Sole (near Gressoney St. John), most of the other hotels are more modest.

Don't forget one more thing interesting option Val d'Aosta is skiing in the Pila resort, which is connected to the city of Aosta by a lift. Although this ski area is quite small (70 km of slopes), it is quite interesting for all categories of skiers. Pila is the most "Italian" of all the resorts in the valley, while it is quite young and modern, with a well-developed infrastructure.

Accommodation in Pyla or Aosta is worth recommending to those who appreciate nightlife, shopping and do not think quality rest no city life. In any case, all tourists traveling to the Aosta Valley should visit the city itself: it is pleasant to walk here not only for shopping, but the monuments left from Roman times certainly deserve attention.

The city of Aosta - the "stone flower" of Italy

Aosta - central city region Valle d’ Aosta, the largest in the area. Unlike other, even large, ski resorts, there are Train Station which is very convenient.

Aosta is distinguished by a high level of amenities, developed industry, the presence of many cultural centers, shops and restaurants.

Attractions Aosta

The colony of Aosta was founded by the Roman Augustus Praetoria in 25 AD. Even then, the settlement had a cruel orthogonal urban planning - this can be seen from the historical architectural monuments of that time, which are:

All ancient buildings are well preserved and are still recognizable in the panorama of the modern metropolis.

TheaterAostaDopo- from the outside, it was subjected to only delicate restoration, but even this small intervention made it possible to show residents and tourists all the greatness of this building, the height of the southern facade of which is at least 22 meters. But the rectangular auditorium of the theater was restored more than once and, due to various partitions built at a later time, it significantly decreased in size, however, it has been proven that at first it accommodated more than 3 thousand spectators.

Monastery of Sant'Orso- is called the most romantic holy place in the world because the monastery courtyard and the building itself have been transformed many times over many centuries, and sculptures and stucco moldings of the late Gothic, Baroque, neoclassical styles have been added to the original appearance.

Arc de Triomphe of Augustus- all people traveling in Italy consider it their duty to be photographed against its background.

The best ski resorts in Italy, Val dʹ Aosta

Now the arch is decorated with a cross, but this was not always the case, and in pre-Christian times, the ancient Roman god Saturn flaunted in place of the cross.

In addition to the above attractions, in Aosta you can visit the houses of viscounts, castles of ancient families, etc.

In winter, Aosta attracts tourists from all over the world not only with its beautiful ski slopes, but also with the Christmas market, which, in last years, located near the Roman theater. This colorful New Year's fair starts in early November and lasts right up to the end of January, with tents open all day from 10.00 am to 20.00 pm.

Note. The city of Aosta offers its guests so many sophisticated entertainments that for many, visiting it becomes the highlight of their lives.

Aosta.

The province of Valle d'Aosta is considered the most popular among lovers of winter active rest skiing not only in Italy. So tirelessly restless city dwellers come here from all over Europe and beyond. Excursions and entertainment in any city in the world

The capital of this highlands is old City Aosta, which can be reached both by public and private or rented transport. In the first case, options with train and bus prevail, which depart in this direction from Milan and Turin. Level.travel Booking tours

What to see.

The city of Aosta itself is interesting in addition to its resort component. There really is something to see here. And all because the capital of the region was founded by the Romans in 25 BC. It is this time that the oldest relic of the city, the arch in honor of Emperor Augustus, dates back.

And although it has undergone a number of changes in the course of its history, its main part has survived to this day in its original form. Tripinsurance.ru - travel insurance that really works

The Praetorian Gate, through which the entrance to Aosta was carried out from Rome, also looks good today. They also served as a gateway to Gaul, since the valley was the most direct route to this Roman province.

Also, the fortress walls and the ancient Roman theater date back to the first century, in which even today performances are held in the summer. It is located on Via Baillage and is known for its well-preserved facade, 22 meters high. Here you can see the prices in hotels.

Even from that era, the Roman bridge Pont de Pierre remained in the city. Its name translates as stone bridge. It is a single-arch structure 17 meters long and 6 meters high.

It was erected in a place where the Butkhye River narrowed due to two rocks on opposite banks. But over time the river found itself more affordable way fusion of their waters, according to the law of universal gravitation, and under the bridge, as a result, a dry stone channel was formed.

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The last attraction of Aosta of the ancient Roman period is Criptoportico. This underground structure still causes controversy among scientists about its purpose. The foundation of Criptoportico is equated with the time of the construction of Aosta itself.

The structure is an underground gallery in the form of a horseshoe, which was originally used for religious purposes. But we can only say for sure about it that in the Middle Ages there were warehouses here. Nevertheless, the place is very impressive in its scope. Busfor — Bus tickets in Russia, CIS and Europe

The Middle Ages in Aosta is represented mainly by its center. It is here that houses and streets that are more than one century old are located. But as always, its religious buildings stand out in architectural terms. So the cathedral, located on Piazza Giovanni XXIII, dates back to the 12th century of construction and is made in the Gothic style.

And on Piazza Ronkas, it will be interesting to visit archaeological museum. Also of interest are the surroundings of Aosta, in which there are several well-preserved castles. There are also thermal baths in Sainte Didier and mineral springs Cormaggiore and San Vincenzo.

Winter holidays.

Among other things, Aosta is the most budget option for winter holidays in this place. True, in this case, you will have to spend money on the road to the actual ski slopes.

But even in this case, the benefit will be obvious, because during the season, the difference in prices in Aosta hotels and in the resorts themselves differs by about two times, not in favor of the latter. True, there is less comfort, because the most modern hotels with all the consequences are involved in the resorts. Travelata - hypermarket of tours

By the way, there is a general ski pass in the valley, thanks to which you can get access to ski slopes 720 kilometers long and 180 lifts. But still, the main ski resort of Aosta is Pila.

This is probably the most modern resort province of Valle d'Aosta. It is here that the Italian ski team trains. It is clear that the resort is very serious in its steepness (meaning the tracks). In any case, 70 percent of them are "red".

However, for beginner skiers, there is a place where to ride. After all, as they say: the shorter and flatter the track, the fewer places to fall. Pila is 70 kilometers away mining ski slopes with a height difference of 952 m. 12 lifts help skiers to climb to the starting point.

In addition, Pila has a snow park with a half-pipe area and snowboarding trails. Around the resort there are 29 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiers.

And in the summer I saw beautiful place For hiking. And most importantly, Aosta and Pila are connected by a gondola cable car.

Valle d'Aosta region and its resorts

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Hotels.

The best hotels in Aosta are: Le Charaban, HB Aosta Hotel, Hostellerie du Cheval Blanc, Hotel Diana, Hotel Milleluci. And in Pila: Meublé Della Nouva, Hotel Chacaril, Etoile De Neige, Chaletbethere. Below is a selection of the most popular 3-star hotels. Here you can find cheap flights and book a hotel.

How to get there.

If you are planning to spend your time as actively as possible in the mountains and the chosen hotel, then the best way to get to Aosta or Pila would be to order a transfer to / from the airport. In addition, this service is becoming quite everyday for most hotels. intui.travel - transfers

If you want to escape to Milan, Venice, Turin and other cities of Italy on some day, then it will be most convenient to rent a car directly at the airport of arrival. If you are used to slow budget vacation, then from Milan and Turin to Aosta can also be reached by train.

True, in Chivasso you will have to make a transplant. From Turin total time the train journey will be 2 hours 10 minutes, and from Milan 3 hours. Unitiki.com - service for buying bus tickets

On weekends, shuttle buses run to Aosta from the airports of the last two cities, as well as Bergamo and Lugano (Switzerland). True, the service requires a preliminary order at least two days before your arrival. You can also get to Aosta by bus from the Torino-Porta Susa train station in Turin and the bus station at Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 131.

Bus service also functions well in the Aosta Valley itself. Moreover, the schedule of their movement is connected with the arrival of trains at the railway station. Everything you need to travel around Europe can be found here.

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Valle d'Aosta ("Aosta Valley") is the northwestern region of Italy, and the smallest in this country, with an area of ​​​​only three thousand square kilometers and a population of just over 120 thousand people. But it borders on two states at once: with France - in the west, with Switzerland - in the north.

There was a time when the local separatist movement was fighting for the annexation of the Valle d'Aosta to France. To pacify the separatists, the region was given a special status, equating the French language with Italian (the so-called bilingualism). This went on for hundreds of years, so the locals know French well, although now it has, in fact, been supplanted by the Italian language, but it has remained a “tool” for attracting tourists. Yes, and training, all the inscriptions here are still in two languages.

The main city of Valle d'Aosta is Aosta, which is two thousand years old.

Right on the border of Valle d'Aosta with France is the highest in Western Europe Mont Blanc (4807 m), and on the Swiss border - a magnificent mountain range Monte Rosa ("Pink Mountain", 4634 m), owes its name to the color in which it is painted when light reflects from its huge glaciers. It is also breathtaking from another mountain peak - Gran Paradiso, also called natural Park spread over more than 200,000 hectares.

The nature of Valle d'Aosta is harsh and beautiful. The region is rich in glaciers and mountain passes, the most famous of which are Greater and Lesser St. Bernard. Despite the complexity of the terrain, there are excellent highways and a developed railway network.

The region has the largest reserve of glacial water, being a strategic water resource of Italy, as well as rich deposits of iron, copper, and marble.

Scientists believe that most of The current area of ​​Valle d'Aosta was under a layer of ice ten thousand years ago. Over time, the climate became more favorable, which led to the melting of ice, the appearance of plants and animals here. And later the first human settlements.

Now Valle d'Aosta has long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The average January temperature is + 1.3°С, in July - +16.8°С.

Historical features

The first in the IX-VIII centuries. BC. the territory of the current Valle d'Aosta was settled by Celtic tribes. Separate geographical objects to this day bear names marked by their culture. Then the Romans replaced the Celts, who founded the city of Aosta here, which at that time was called Augusta Pretoria in honor of the Roman emperor Augustus. The remains of the arch named after him are still preserved in the city.

In the Middle Ages, whoever tried to conquer this region - the Byzantines and Visigoths, the Lombards and the Franks ...

In 1031, the Savoy dynasty began to rule this territory, the first representative of which was Count Umberto Biancamano, who received his title from the Holy Roman Emperor.

Valle d'Aosta has always been in a special position in the empire, maintaining administrative independence, which largely determined the character of its inhabitants - freedom-loving and independent.

In the XVI century. neighboring France persistently claimed the region, but all its attempts were unsuccessful. And only during the reign of Napoleon for a short time was it captured by France, but already during the Restoration (restoration of the power of the Bourbon dynasty, 1814-1830) it again began to be controlled by Savoy. So it was when Italy was proclaimed united.

In 1948 Valle d'Aosta became an autonomous region of the Italian Republic.

The famous native of these places Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) is an outstanding philosopher and theologian.

Ski resorts

Valle d'Aosta - a paradise for admirers winter views sports. There are thirty modern ski centers equipped with cable cars with cabins, funiculars. More than a thousand kilometers of ski slopes of various complexity have been developed, including special ones for children and beginners. Their total number in individual resorts is more than a hundred, all of them are included in the Skipass system.

The most popular resorts are Cervinia, Gressoney and Courmayeur.

Cervinia

The peculiarity of this resort is that it has the highest ski slope in the country ( maximum height- almost 3.9 thousand meters, the minimum - over two thousand meters). You can ride literally above the clouds and go down through them all year round, because, despite the rather mild climate, the snow on the glaciers does not melt even in summer.

But in fairness, it is worth noting some possible inconveniences. They are connected mainly with the closure of some high-altitude routes during bad weather, with a relatively small selection of them for the pros, with an expensive local taxi. However, all of them pale in comparison with the sensations that arise here, and which words can hardly describe. Surviving them is a real, little comparable to anything, happiness.

You won't be bored between skiing. Tourists have a rich infrastructure - supermarkets and restaurants, golf clubs, bowling alleys, swimming pools and souvenir shops where you can buy excellent handicrafts, such as copper dishes or colorful wooden toys. The resort has a night club, discos are constantly held.

Accommodation options are also for every taste and budget. You can choose a comfortable mountain shelter at an altitude of almost 3.5 thousand meters, capable of accommodating almost a hundred tourists, or an elite hotel, or accommodation with the Bed&Breakfast system. And in each of them, tourists will definitely be offered specialty Italian dishes, for example, ravioli (something like our dumplings with completely different fillings) and tagliatelle (classic Italian pasta).

Gressoney

Gressoney is located at the foot of Monte Rosa.

Directly above him good trails, most of them are red in complexity. Particularly magnificent is the so-called black track from Punto Yolanda. The longest - fourteen kilometers - from Passo Salati to Gressoney.

This resort is distinguished by off-piste routes, there are a lot of them. They start even above the highest lift station (more than 3 thousand meters). A real space for freeride adherents. One of the ski tours for them, 70 km long, combines off-piste descents and stops for a break in huts.

Not far from Gressoney there is a wonderful lake Gover, which in winter becomes a skating rink. And around it there are trails for flat skiing.

In your free time from skiing, it will be interesting to visit the Museum of Alpine Fauna, which is open in the nearby village of Gressoney Saint-Jean.

In the evening, the resort falls asleep - for people who come here, health and sports come first.

Courmayeur

The resort can be called an old one: from the 18th century, thanks to a healthy climate and thermal springs He was already popular with the British. Now it's fashionable resort with related hotels and fashion markets. Here is the world-famous Congress Center.

The tracks are predominantly medium-difficult, there are also so-called black tracks that host world and European competitions.

Courmayeur and French Chamonix form a single international ski area.

This resort provides ample opportunities for leisure off-piste: several dozen bars and restaurants, a swimming pool, an ice rink, and a sports center.

It will also be pleasant to walk along the cozy resort streets, where the medieval Malkuin tower, the church with the Romanesque bell tower and other architectural sights will attract attention.

Bright festivals and holidays often take place in Courmayeur. For example, the spring Carnival of Masks, a folk dance procession on St. Valentine's Day.

December 30 - the opening day of the season - is accompanied by an enchanting spectacle when athletes with torches descend from the mountain peak.

At the same time, many tourists note that Courmayeur is very expensive and the most crowded. They also complain about the bad, in their opinion, marking of the tracks, so it's easy to get lost.

City attractions

In addition to the ski centers in Valle d'Aosta, there are many other attractions.

The city of Aosta ranks third in Italy in terms of the number of ancient architectural structures. An impressive picture is presented by the eastern city gates: fortress walls of enormous thickness, arches over a wide entrance for carts and side entrances for pedestrians.

The ruins of an ancient Roman theater against the backdrop of a mountain landscape are also amazing - where else can you find something like this?!

IN Cathedral Aosta, a monument of the 4th century, except architectural masterpieces, you can admire the collection of Baroque jewelry.

There are many medieval castles in the region today.

In the town of Bard, a fortress has been perfectly preserved, which at one time was the main defensive outpost. Now it houses a museum.

In the village of Belvedere is the Savoie Castle, built specifically for the Queen of Italy, Margherita of Savoy (1851-1926). Imagine - all the furniture, interiors and even a wooden staircase have been preserved since those times.

Not far from Aosta, there is another castle - Isson, decorated with surviving unique frescoes Alpine painting.

The highlight of the Valle d'Aosta are ... vineyards - the highest in Europe. They were broken at the site of avalanches. The grapes are grown without any “chemistry”, which is why the local wine is special.

Holiday cost

Since there are many accommodation options in Valle d'Aosta, prices vary. We present only the averages.

So. Accommodation, breakfast and dinner in half board will cost the tourist about 50 EUR. Average lunch in local restaurants– 10-20 EUR.

The price of a room with a jacuzzi and a fireplace in luxury hotels, finished with stone and wood, equipped with Wi-Fi, satellite TV and other “delights”, ranges from 280-830 EUR per person per night. But in a two-star - 37-45 EUR.

How to get to Valle d'Aosta

Milan and Turin are closest to this area. Their airports are connected with Aosta and ski resorts railroad and motorways. Shuttle buses are convenient, however, they run only on weekends and an application for a trip must be prepared and sent to the airport in advance, at least two days before arrival.

You can also get there by rental car - this is not a problem, the price of a rental day is within 11-46 EUR.

One of the most comfortable ways to get to Valle d'Aosta, especially with ski equipment, is to order a transfer from the desired airport through a special company, of which there are quite a few, having previously studied their websites. The driver with the appropriate sign will be waiting at the exit of the airport. You need to pay for the trip only upon arrival at the place.

The Italian Valle d'Aosta is waiting for those who are not only an adherent of extreme skiing, but also appreciate the extraordinary beauty of nature, are able to admire the masterpieces of art and architecture. And he just wants to have a great rest and breathe in the healing mountain air.

In the north-west of Italy is its smallest region, this is Valle d'Aosta (aka Val d'Aosta; Valle d'Aosta). It borders France to the west, Switzerland to the north, and the Italian region of Piedmont to the south and east. Here are concentrated the most high mountains Europe - Mont Blanc, Gran Paradiso, Monte Rosa and Matterhorn, so for those who want to touch the clouds with their hands, this is the most suitable place. It is also a wonderful place for skiers, as the region, despite its size, offers winter lovers as many as 1200 km of modern, well-equipped, well-laid, very diverse ski slopes, aimed at athletes of different levels of training.

The "feature" of Val d'Aosta is the possibility of skiing abroad, in Switzerland and France, thanks to an international subscription connecting the resorts of these countries. However, you have to pay for everything: holidays here are much more expensive than in most other resorts in Italy.

How to get there

Air communication with Valle d'Aosta is quite convenient - in any case, 150 km from Geneva airport, 190 km from Milan airport or 100 km from Turin airport are easily overcome thanks to developed system motorways and well-established bus service (along the route Turin - Aosta - Courmayeur). It is impossible not to mention airlines Air Vallae, which operates daily flights from Aosta Airport to Rome and charter flights within a radius of 1000 miles. The aircraft of this airline has only 32 passenger seats, so you need to find out the schedule and take care of tickets in advance, you can do this by calling +390165303303 (free of charge) and +39800536255, or by sending a fax to 0165303305. Among other things, for those who like to join the achievements modern technologies it will be interesting to go to France using the new tunnel under Mont Blanc.

Search for flights to Turin (nearest airport to Valle d'Aosta)

The main resorts of the Valle d'Aosta

In the Valle d'Aosta region, there are "extra-class" resorts such as Cervinia, Courmayeur, La Thuile, Pila and Monte Rosa. It offers modern ski lifts, slopes at altitudes up to 3900 m, excellent hotels and residences, excellent service, well-thought-out entertainment infrastructure.

Active holidays in the Aosta Valley

Hotels

Despite the small size of the region, there are more than 500 various hotels, boarding houses, chalets, villas and other housing. It remains to choose a haven to taste. In any case, excellent service and hospitality are guaranteed here for everyone.

You can reduce the cost of your holiday by booking accommodation directly in the city of Aosta or in hotels of less famous resorts, like Torgnon and Valtornenche (near Cervinia), the towns of St. Vincent (Cervinia and Monte Rosa) and Pré Sant Didier (Courmayeur and La Thuile). So tourists can have a great rest and ride on quite reasonable prices, because all ski areas have a ski pass "Valle d'Aosta".

Winter holidays in the Aosta Valley

More than 1000 instructors are ready to take up their duties as needed. And since people with different physical abilities want to ride (or try to ride) skiing, more than a hundred instructors are focused on teaching disabled people.

Here you can try your hand at ski mountaineering. The routes are formed in such a way that from each station you can get to the route of any level of difficulty. The proximity of the four highest peaks in Europe is conducive to climbing glaciers, however, this sport requires not only serious training, but also special equipment.

Paragliding centers in this region are waiting for those wishing to soar above the mountains and, at the same time, above everyday life, and Aerostatico Monte Bianco is one of the leading European organizers of hot air balloon flights. It turns out that in this region, those who wish have the opportunity to both cross the Alps and soar above them or admire their beauties from never-melting glaciers.

Cuisine and restaurants

In Valle d'Aosta, tourists will be welcomed in a variety of restaurants with an excellent level of service. The cuisine of this region is highly valued by gourmets, which is confirmed by the fame that many restaurants have far beyond the region.

Since 1270, the famous Fontina cheese has been produced in the Valle d'Aosta cheese dairies. It is made from the milk of cows of a local breed - spotted red. Due to the fact that the basis of their diet is the grass of high mountain pastures, the cheese has a dense texture, a strong sharp aroma and a unique taste. The highest mountain vineyards in Europe are also located here, and the pride of winemakers is local excellent wines: white dry Petite Arvine and Muscat blanc di Chambave, red dry Fumin, vintage white dry Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle

Attractions and attractions of Valle d'Aosta

The region is rich medieval castles built along the road from Aosta to Turin. Although their number is more than a hundred, only a few of them are well preserved. Castle Saint-Pierre is very beautiful at night when the backlight is on, thanks to which it looks more like magnificent palace, not how fortification. The Château Fenil houses a wonderful furniture museum, which has many unique items in its collection, and the Chateau Verret has an extensive collection of drawings, watercolors and prints of the 19th century.

• Where to stay: professionals and intermediate skiers - in La Thuile, which is connected to the neighboring French resort of La Rosiere by a system of lifts. Fans of luxury hotels and trendy shops - in

It is located at an altitude of 585 meters above sea level at the foot of the Pennine Alps, where the turbulent mountain rivers Dora-Baltea and Butir merge.
The city has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Celtic-Ligurian tribes lived here - salasses. There is a legend that the Salasses are the descendants of Saturn who accompanied Hercules on his travels. In 1158 B.C. the ruler of the Salassians, Cordellius Letielus, founded the city, without hesitation, naming it after himself - Cordelia.
But it so happened that Cordelia stood in the way of the warlike Romans to Gaul. The Salasses did not want to submit to the Romans: they robbed caravans and took fares. And in punishment for the frequent indignations against the Roman Empire in 26 BC. Augustus ordered to take the city and destroy it. 3,000 well-trained Roman soldiers swept the small settlement of the Salassi to the face of the earth.
In honor of Augustus, a triumphal arch was erected, which has been completely preserved to this day, the inscription on it reads:

The Salasses defended their hearths for a long time,
He laid his wreaths on this place.
They Failed: Victorious Rome
Erected in honor of the victory of Octavian Augustus Caesar,
Who utterly smashed the Salasses.

Roman arch. Aosta.

A Roman city was built on the site of Cordelia. Augusta Pretoria Salassorum. It fully complied with the classical Roman canons, the size of the city was 724 x 572 meters, two streets Cardo and Decumanus divided the city into four parts and connected the main fortress gates.

Emperor Octavian August founded these walls,
Built this city in three years
And called him by your name
In the year DCCVII, Roman reckoning.

retained the original layout, the wall around the perimeter and even all the towers, there are many Roman monuments in the city.
famous Praetorian Gate (Porta Praetoria) are the eastern entrance to the Roman city.

Ruins near the gate Roman theater, which looks very picturesque against the backdrop of the mountains. The theater was 45 meters long and 7 meters wide. Intervened 4,000 spectators. The powerful rear wall of the auditorium of the theater has been preserved, with three tiers of arches separated by an intermediate row of rectangular openings, various parts of the stage, and the lower steps of the auditorium. Theater in Aoste was one of the few indoor theaters in the Roman world.

Roman theatre. Aosta.

Close to Arches of Augustus, located ancient roman bridge across the river Butir. Only the river changed direction in the Middle Ages, leaving the bridge without water.

Aosta. Valle d'Aosta

From the monuments of the Middle Ages to Aoste preserved The complex of churches of St. Orso (Sant "Orso), erected in 994 - 1025. A large three-aisled Romanesque church with frescoed walls was built on the site of a Carolingian temple.
Saint Orso - the patron of the city, a wanderer with a bird on his shoulder, was canonized for his kindness to people. He is loved by Valle D "Aoste, on New Year's Eve, fairs are held in his honor.

Cathedral was built in the 11th century. Of course, it was then repeatedly rebuilt and completed, but some things have survived from those times - for example, frescoes in the central nave.

Next to the cathedral is Cryptoportic part of the Roman Forum. Underground gallery with columns and arches made of tuff. (The entrance is free).

On one of the streets of Aosta in 1541 the Holy Cross was erected.

Sovremenna is a flourishing and calm city, central part which can be walked around in two hours.

Aosta. Valle d "Aosta. Italy.

The streets are filled with shops and cafes, French is often heard here. After all, in Aoste French, along with Italian, is official language.

Aosta. Valle d "Aosta. Italy.

Aosta. Valle d "Aosta. Italy.

Kitchen Valle d "Aosta.

Speaking of cuisine Valle d'Aosta I immediately want to mention cheeses, of which there are a great many here: these are Fontina (Fontina), fromadzo (fromadzo), toma gressoney, ricotta (salignon), seras soft cheese, goat milk cheeses.

Fontina from Valle d "Aosta. Italy.

As well as various sausages and sausages: ham (Jambon de bosses), bacon (lard d’Arnad), sausage - boudin, sausages, beef motzetta, cow udder - teuteun.
IN Valle D "Aosta beekeeping is well developed, but it is quite difficult to buy real local honey from mountain herbs.
Thanks to the climate Valle D "Aosta, medicinal and aromatic herbs grow here, which are used for the production of liqueurs, tinctures, for cooking and drinks, as well as for medical purposes.
One of the most famous wormwood tinctures (Genepi) used in cooking Valdostan coffee (Caffe alla valdostana), into which grappa is also poured and set on fire in a special wooden bowl, called the bowl of friendship. Everyone drinks this coffee from the same cup in a circle.

Caffe alla valdostana. Valle d "Aosta. Italy.

Wine Aosta special - elegant and acidic. This region has some of the highest altitude vineyards in Europe.